My family. They were in showbusiness, so I went the same way - it was in my blood.

What was your big breakthrough?

Starting. I found I loved acting and went straight from doing shows with my mother and father to making 350 films.

Why have you chosen to do panto?

Because they asked me. I don't do something unless I'm asked, but I only say yes if it's exciting. And Cinderella excited me.

Who or what have you sacrificed for your art?

Nothing - it's brought me complete satisfaction.

Which do you prefer, stage or screen?

Both - it's the same business of trying to please people. I have four stars on the Hollywood Boulevard - three for film and television, and one with my wife, Jan, for live entertainment. Not many people can say that.

Do you suffer for your art?

No, but I do put a lot into my characters. When I played a mentally ill man in the 1981 TV movie Bill, I felt I became that character. I would rehearse in the kitchen and move Jan to tears.

Who have you most enjoyed working with?

Spencer Tracy and I had a real boys' time together, and Judy Garland and I were magic on screen.

Describe the best moment of your career.

Meeting US presidents - I've met eight of them, including Nixon and George Bush father and son - and the Queen. She had a real twinkle in her eye.

What's the greatest threat to theatre today?

We need more good family-oriented musicals. People now like the strangest, most distasteful things, like horror films. We need entertainment that gives children magic and hope.

What advice would you give a young actor just starting out?

Get an education. Every actor needs a good foundation to fall back on.

What one song would feature on the soundtrack to your life?

Every song I've ever done has been important, but Moon River by Henry Mancini is particularly special. It featured in Breakfast at Tiffany's, and now Jan is singing it in Cinderella - she plays the Fairy Godmother.

What's the best advice anyone ever gave you?

I get my advice from God. I ask him what I should do, and he leads me.

How would you most like to be remembered?

As a nice person.

In short

Born: New York, 1920

Career: Began performing in vaudeville aged 15 months, and went on to star in more than 350 Hollywood films and TV shows. Is currently making his panto debut as Baron Hardup in Cinderella at the Sunderland Empire (0870 602 1130).

High point: "Every day of my life."

Low point: "A period in the mid-1970s before I met my wife, Jan. I felt I'd been forgotten, but she said, 'No, Mickey, nobody's ever going to forget you.'"